NORTHAMPTON - Kate Glynn, owner of A Child's Garden and Northampton resident assumed the position of United Way of Hampshire County board chair as of October 2, 2017. She is succeeding MassDevelopment vice president for Business Development, Julie Cowan.
"No organization is better positioned than United Way to address the most pressing issues facing our community," Cowan said. "I am honored to pass the torch to Kate Glynn." Cowan cited work and family obligations as the reason for resigning her position as board chair a year early. "I remain resolute in my commitment to our mission and organization, as both a donor and volunteer," said Cowan.
Community involvement in Hampshire County has been the focus of Glynn's for quite some time. She has served on the United Way's Board of Directors since 2011, serving as Chair of the Governance Committee from 2014 - 2016, serving as Secretary of the Board from 2014 - 2016, serving as Vice Chair of the Board from 2016 - 2017 and volunteering in the UWHC community investment process. She was also a founding member for the Northampton Association for Young Professionals.
"Kate is a devoted community supporter and an incredibly successful business woman who is dedicated to the important work of our United Way," said UWHC interim executive director, Renee Moss. "We will miss Julie Cowan, but we know Kate will assume leadership of the board seamlessly and will continue Julie's legacy of dedication to our organization."
Glynn is looking forward to leading the board through 2019. Her tenure as board chair will include presiding over the board's work of hiring a new executive director. "The search for a new executive director is an awesome task and the search committee is making sure we consider a large pool of well-qualified candidates for this critical role," she said. "The search is ongoing and we will make an announcement as soon as a decision is made."
United Way of Hampshire County is also pleased to have five new members, Lindsay Barron, Bennett Bishop, Jane Lyons, Stuart Beckley, and Irvin Rhodes join its board of directors.
"The depth and breadth of experience of our new board members represent the diverse voices in our community," said Kate Glynn, UWHC Board Chair. "Each has significant influence personally and professionally and will help advance our mission of creating positive lasting change in Hampshire County."